Warlock leaps to the defense of the Gatewalking system, citing his interview of Denny Sargent, a man who knew Simon and those who practiced the system well (correction to original post: he did not practice the system himself). Warlock claims that I am taking Sargent’s remarks out of context:

It is clearly evident that Historian Denny Sargent was stressing the importance for preparation before jumping into Simon Necronomics. It is a very serious step because the system will engage the practitioner with very serious powers.

But what was Sargent saying? Here’s the key passage:

It doesn’t matter what system it is these are your steps to awareness via magick- if Simon’s system helps you do any of these (Im very doubtful about it helping with [Contacting your H0ly Guardian Angel) Go for it!

I think Warlock is being disingenuous to handwave this as a need for “preparation.” In Western esoteric terms, getting in touch with your higher self is “preparation” in the same sense that climbing Mount Everest is “a little hike.” In fact, many would insist that this is the whole point of magical practice, with all other aspects only significant as they help or hinder that goal.

Thus, though Sargent is sympathetic to the system and sees it as holding power, he is actually presenting a trenchant critique of its usefulness. After all, why perform a system that doesn’t accomplish what your goals are? Warlock might not agree with him, but he should at least acknowledge that this critique is staring him in the face.

Last time, I presented some guidelines that I use for assessing how spiritually satisfied I find people to be. For example:

Does the person view their detractors with respect, or does he or she cast aspersions on their motives, suggest they are pawns of darker powers, or otherwise seek to emphasize personality and motives over substantive issues?

Perhaps I was being harsh with Warlock on these. Let’s see what he has to say in response:

It is interesting to note that at the time of posting this article, Harms had only one other individual to comment on his article. Venus Satanas stated the following… I guess everybody can see now some of the friends that Harms considers to be part of a “spiritual system.” Just one look at “Venus Santanis’ website is a testament to this…

I don’t understand the inclusion of Warlock’s comment about my site into this post? i tried to clarify it with Mr. warlock at his blog, that i commented on your previous post about using the Simon book as a spiritual system could be a failed idea, then i provided him with a personal example of why. I took the chance that he would delete my post because I was direct with my questioning.

I don’t think we have been formally introduced. My real name is Melissa Hudson, but many know me as Venus Satanas. I’ve been into the occult since 1992, and satanism is my chosen path – but I do enjoy reading about many other paths of magic. Most people see the word ‘satanist’ and they immediately think something similar to this: ‘oh, i bet its a teenager, what do they know about magic or the occult? How can i take them seriously?’ or something similar to that. Its a very real prejudice that I’ve experienced in the occult world for years, from other folks who claim to be ‘open minded’ enough to be in the occult.

None of the pretentious ideas of the ones who don’t know about satanism, have prevented me from doing my work, studying and producing something real for satanists to learn about, since 2004.

Examples of this can be found at my blog, site and at youtube, where my studies have helped thousands of other satanists to learn about satanism from a practical standpoint. Many of my youtube viewers aren’t even Satanists, they come from all walks of life and all paths of the occult. If you’ve ever visited my site you can see that I also provide references in my writing for other people to explore. I take my work seriously, and because of this I am being published in 2010 by immanion press in an anthology book titled ‘Woman’s Voices in Magic’. I am also working steadily on my new instruction book, “Satanic Witchcraft”, to be published hopefully in 2010.

And, I’ve enjoyed reading your blog, as well. Mr. Harms, I am waiting to see if warlock will reply to you with a real answer on how a reliable or methodical spiritual system from the Simon necro. can be made. So far, no dice. Warlock seems to evade every question. Maybe he can’t provide any concrete examples?

Interesting bio. I am happy that you have even informed Dan’s readers of where to find you at. As far as your remark:

“And, I’ve enjoyed reading your blog, as well. Mr. Harms, I am waiting to see if warlock will reply to you with a real answer on how a reliable or methodical spiritual system from the Simon necro. can be made. So far, no dice. Warlock seems to evade every question. Maybe he can’t provide any concrete examples?”

Don’t worry. I won’t mind if you use the name “Warlock Asylum”
for your next tattoo. Just make sure you put it on youtube!

I forgot to add: what first drew me to your blog was your expose’ on Venger Satanis, and his plagiarist techniques. Veenger had approached me a few months before and talked me into reviewing his plagiarist book, at my youtube channel – so he could make more sales. After reading your posts, I immediately removed any association with him after that, and I will no longer associate with those that call him a friend. Plagiarism is an academic crime, and I’m glad that you exposed his character for the world to see..and for that, I am very glad.

“I forgot to add: what first drew me to your blog was your expose’ on Venger Satanis, and his plagiarist techniques. Veenger had approached me a few months before and talked me into reviewing his plagiarist book, at my youtube channel – so he could make more sales. After reading your posts, I immediately removed any association with him after that, and I will no longer associate with those that call him a friend. Plagiarism is an academic crime, and I’m glad that you exposed his character for the world to see..and for that, I am very glad.”

Wow Dan! Your fans really take your words to heart and just folow what you say. I guess I just have to accept that Gan Harms is the fifth Beatle 🙂

You don’t understand?!! We’ll let me post a qoute that a friend of mine put up on her website:

“I write about Satanism because I have an interest in teaching the public about my experiences with Independent Satanism”

Now if someone. or community has done the same thing with the Simon Necronomicon why should they be critized, yet you will open defend “Spiritual Satanism” and write about how it has change your life and perception of the world, but you are going to turn aroundand snap at a community of GateWalkers who have done the same thing with the Simon Necronomicon.?!!! I guess you enjoy being a part of something you know nothing about. Mye you will get more views on your blog page-who knows. Yet I do remember Lavey’s teaching on inulgence not compulsion. Remember, your creed!

No, dan didn’t tell me to remove any association with Venger. I did that on my own after coming to the conclusion that I am tired of seeing plagiarists make money from occult material. Occult source material is sometimes obscure and because of this, some authors have taken it upon themselves to copy others work and publish it for money. To me, that shows a lack of respect for the occult in general. One of the most plagiarized authors in the occult was Franz bardon, for example. I researched plagiarism in the occult after i read about it on dan’s blog. I decided that it is one of the worst things to happen in the occult. I wouldn’t want my work to be plagiarized and neither would you, I’m sure.

This is true. When I first saw your name I thought you were Satanis. anyways from your comments and in brief review of your observations, you seem to be a very sharp individual. I wish you much success in your endeavors and so does Dan